Identification Keys and Tips

While both the Snow Goose and the Ross's Goose can have a dark and a white
phase, the dark phase is very rare in the Ross's Goose. Both a white and a
dark phase Snow Goose are shown above, while a white-phase Ross's Goose is
shown.

In migration through the state, both species can be found intermingled, although
the Snow Goose is far more common. If seen together, size is often quite
apparent, but size can be difficult to judge in isolation. There are some
distinct differences in bill characteristics that make the distinction fairly
easy. However, one more factor to consider is the possibility of hybrid
Snow x Ross's Goose, which will have intermediate characteristics of both
species.